Prognostic Significance of the Baroreflex Sensitivity Changes After Acute Ischemic Stroke

Noninvasive Study of the Time Course of Baroreflex Sensitivity 6-Month After Acute Ischemic Stroke and the Relation of Its Changes With Post Stroke Prognosis

After acute stroke, baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) is impaired. This impaired acute stage BRS has been reported to be predictive of worsen outcome years after stroke in general. However, it is not very clear if the impaired acute stroke BRS would actually persist months after the acute stage. It is also not clear that such change, if any, would correlate with the functional outcome or prognosis after stroke.

The trial is to investigate the longitudinal time course of BRS after ischemic stroke up to the 6th month post stroke and to see if there is any correlation of the changes in BRS with the functional outcome parameters using NIHSS and mRS scores throughout this period.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Baroreflex sensitivity can be done within 72 hours of onset of acute ischemic stroke
• 50-80 years old
• Must have either brain CT or brain MRI done

Exclusion Criteria:

• NIHSS score > 10
• Patient could not cooperate
• Unstable vital sign
• Atrial fibrillation
• Transient ischemic attack patient
• Diabetic patient
• Impaired renal function (Cr > 2.26 mg/dl)
• Unstable angina, acute myocardiac infarction, cardiomyopathy patients
• Patient who has known autonomic dysfunction